Whiffs, The

Whiffs, The

Scratch 'N' Sniff

Dig! Records

***HEY YOU! Get a whiff of this: Scratch ‘N’ Sniff by The Whiffs — the second album by Kansas City’s foremost power pop foursome is upon us via Dig! Record Co (US) & Bachelor Records (EU). Not unlike their first album (Another Whiff), and as rock critic Jon Harrison heralds in the album’s liner notes: “this sophomoric offering provides all of the things you love about The Whiffs.” … Now, if you’re asking yourself ‘what do I love about the Whiffs’? Here’s a clue: SONGS. You love The Whiffs’ songs! And now Scratch ‘N’ Sniff’s got 13 new boffo numbers brimming with the hook-laden, never-far-from-the-bar pub-rock snarl The Whiffs nail everytime. The Whiffs are less recording artists than a band of journeymen, from the drums Jake Cardwell (C&C Drum Co.) built-by-hand, to Joey Rubbish’s home recording studio (Club Sandwich). It’s only natural Scratch ‘N’ Sniff is a homegrown production from the floor (tom) up, and was recorded in the band’s living room. The songs are all their own too. Whether penned by Cameron (Rory), Campbell (Zach) or Rubbish (Joey), they all stink of The Whiffs broken-in power pop confectionery. A close listen will reveal the cracks of many-a-can and roommates laughing at vocal takes. As such, everyone’s invited to Scratch ‘N’ Sniff and dive in! Recommended if you DIG!: The Whiffs’ previous output, Stiff Records, The Mats, The Rubs and any era of the Fab Four!

Whiffs, The

Another Whiff

Dig! Records

Kansas City’s prodigal sons of power pop are sticking to what they know on Another Whiff, their full-length debut for Dig! Records. Since 2017’s Take A Whiff EP, the band has been busy allowing their auditory aromas to ripen with the addition of JOEY RUBBISH (of THE RUBS) for a fuller, more robust sonic bouquet. While the band can still get it up for Stiff Records—their pop-centric punk remains in full force—the album takes a more epic trip with detours into broken-heart ballads from the heartland, journeying down paths forged by pioneers like Chilton and late Westerberg, the legacy of Petty and the cosmic country harmonies of The Byrds.  Recording sessions over the past year, on and off, in their makeshift basement practice space, Electric Babyland, afforded the band an opportunity to take time while the lineup coalesced, and get tour-tight supporting La Luz, Bad Sports and Patsy’s Rats on the road. The result is a unique album that is at once sprawling in direction and tight in execution, with all the sonic stank you’d expect from sweaty beer plied basement sessions. Out of the gate, “Shakin All Over” will register to all of the senses, like you were there, squatting in the corner of the basement, imbibing with the band and absorbing every hit from Jake’s C&C kit (note frivolous plug for Jake’s drum company). The 14 tracks that emerged as Another Whiff are expertly mixed by Vince Lawhon and mastered by Jordan Peterson for a final package...